German Title: Filmprogramme der DDR 1945 - 1990
The Book
The publication by Grit Lemke, gathers conversations with and about the documentary filmmaker Volker Koepp. The motivic interweaving of his films, influences of literature and his working practice are examined. Koepp has revisited places and many of his protagonists time and time again over the years – sometimes with, often without a camera. In his films, he tells of landscapes and people, mostly east of the Elbe, whereby he understands landscape both as a natural and historical space.
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The Author
Grit Lemke studied cultural studies, ethnology and literature in Leipzig after completing a construction apprenticeship and working in the cultural sector. She received her doctorate in European ethnology from the Humboldt University of Berlin. Since 1991 she has been working as a film critic and author for print, online and TV. Her enthusiasm for documentary film was awakened at a young age, including a lasting encounter with a Wittstock film by Volker Koepp during a visit to Leipzig's "Dokwoche" - a festival at which she would later work for 26 years and run the programme until 2017. The Lusatian has been working for the Cottbus FilmFestival for almost as long, where she heads the German-Sorbian section. She curated numerous film series in Germany and abroad, published on documentary film, was involved in documentary films as an author and held teaching positions. Today she works as a freelance author, dramaturge, consultant and curator.